Geez, I should have known that!

It's the difference between

select * into test2 from test -- inserts into a new table

insert into test2 select * from test -- inserts...

I see my problem. I had two tables in my subquery instead of one. That syntax is certainly confusing. Thank you gentlemen for your kind assistance. ...

Gail,

Thanks for the help! Bouncing the SQL Server was enough to make the database operational.

One of the error messages from SQL Server mentioned insufficient disk space. To...

Here are my error messages interspersed with the SQL that caused them.

-- try just to use the database

use cfs_vehicle_backups

Msg 945, Level 14, State 2, Server CFSDB02, Line 3

Database...

Thanks! Your answer is just what I needed! 🙂